On December 2, 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte shocked the world as he crowned himself Emperor of the French by taking the crown from the Pope and plopping it on his own head. 48 years later on this same date, his nephew and namesake, Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, was also crowned Emperor and given the title Napoleon III.
Digging Deeper
Over 9,500 people in the U.S. have Napoleon for a first name, a name that means “from Naples,” as in Naples, Italy. More has been written about Napoleon Bonaparte than any other person in history after Jesus Christ.
Just as Napoleon I’s attempts to regain power were thwarted by his loss at the epic Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon III’s reign also ended in defeat, this time as a result of the Franco-Prussian War. Both emperors died in exile. Also, just as Napoleon I had accomplished great things for France and the world, Napoleon III also made major improvements in France, such as rebuilding Paris, brokering trade agreements and expanding the empire by doubling its size. He also was a backer of the construction of the Suez Canal, a major gift to the world.
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